Neighbours told how the victim screamed in terror as he was trapped in his burning home

Police say the fire started when a lit box of fireworks containing 200 tubes of explosives – normally used at commercial displays – was put through the letterbox.

DI Joyce added: “The impact would have been terrifying for the occupants and I would urge anyone who sold or is missing a firework of this size to get in touch.

“This would have been a large heavy firework that would have been difficult to carry some distance, so I would ask anyone who saw someone carrying a large box in the area last Thursday night to contact us.

“Any information no matter how insignificant if may seem to you could help our investigation.”

Neighbour Matthew Green said after the blaze: “It’s so shocking and it’s unnerved everyone.

“The house looks totally gutted but the firemen were just fantastic. They just got straight in there to try and save whoever was inside.”